Carnation plant named Monica

ABSTRACT

A carnation plant named Monica particularly characterized by its commercial double flower type; flat, high centered flower form; red flower color; diameter of flower of 55 to 58 mm when fully opened, when grown as a spray carnation; petal margins are slightly serrated and ruffled; strong, flexible stems; high production of flowering stems per plant; high production of flowers, with 5 to 7 flowering laterals developing per stem; flowering response of 26 weeks after planting rooted cuttings; very resistant to Fusarium oxysporum; and recommended as a miniature (spray) carnation.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofcarnation, botanically known as Dianthus caryophyllus L. and referred toby the cultivar name Monica.

Monica, identified as 2066 (85-084021), was originated from a cross madeunder supervision of Cornelis P. VandenBerg in a controlled breedingprogram in Salinas, Calif., in 1984.

The female parent of Monica was the cultivar identified as Etna, a redspray carnation.

The male parent of Monica was the cultivar identified as Starlight, alsoa red spray carnation.

The breeding program resulting in Monica had the objective of creatingnew carnation cultivars resistant to Fusarium oxysporum. In order toensure resistance, seedlings were planted in a controlled environment insoil heavily infested with Fusarium oxysporum in Suba, near Bogota,Colombia. Seedlings were allowed to grow for 18 months, with removal ofthose seedlings that died from Fusarium oxysporum.

Monica was discovered and selected as one flowering plant within theprogeny of the stated cross by Cornelis P. VandenBerg in Oct. 1986, inthe above-described location.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Monica was accomplished whenvegetative cuttings were taken from the initial selection in Suba,Colombia, in October 1986, immediately after selection, by techniciansworking under supervision of Cornelis P. VandenBerg.

Horticulture examination of controlled flowerings of successiveplantings has shown that the unique combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for Monica are firmly fixed and are retained throughsuccessive generations of asexual reproduction.

Monica has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and daylength, without,however, any variance in genotype.

The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in Suba near Bogota, Columbia, under greenhouse conditions whichapproximate those generally used in commercial greenhouse practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Monica, which, in combination, distinguishthis carnation as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Commercial double flower type.

2. Flat, high centered flower form.

3. Red flower color.

4. Diameter of flower of 55 to 58 mm when fully opened, when grown as aspray carnation.

5. Petal margins are slightly serrated and ruffled.

6. Strong, flexible stems.

7. High production of flowering stems per plant.

8. High production of flowers, with 5 to 7 flowering laterals developingper stem.

9. Flowering response of 26 weeks after planting rooted cuttings.

10. Very resistant to Fusarium oxysporum.

11. Recommended as a miniature (spray) carnation.

The accompanying photographic drawings show typical inflorescence ofMonica, with the colors being as nearly true as possible withillustrations of this type.

Sheet 1 is a color photograph of Monica grown as a spray cut carnation.

Sheet 2 is a black and white photograph of three views of theinflorescence of Monica. In sheet 2 a measuring tape in centimeters hasbeen added.

The combination of red flower color, high production of flowering stemsper plant, high production of flowers per stem and very high resistanceto Fusarium oxysporum is not represented in any commercial spraycarnation cultivar known to the inventor.

In the following description color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determined onplant material grown as spray carnations in Salinas, Calif. on Jun. 5,1992.

Classification:

Botanical.--Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv Monica.

Commercial.--Spray carnation for cut flower production.

INFLORESCENCE

Capitulum:

Form.--Flat, high centered.

Type.--Commercial double.

Flower diameter.--55 to 58 when fully opened.

Number of petals.--55 to 65.

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Red.

Color (upper surface).--Between 45A to 45B and 46B. Color is tableduring maturity.

Shape.--Rounded, slightly serrated and ruffled.

Androecium.--Normal to semi-petaloid stamens; normal to degeneratedanthers; moderate pollen.

Gynoecium.--Typical carnation, smooth, conical ovaries, three styles.

Fragrance.--Very slight, typical carnation.

Fertility.--Functions weakly as both male and female parent.

Keeping quality.--7 to 14 days after cutting.

PLANT

General appearance:

Growth.--Bushy, semi-erect perennial; plant is normally pinchedapproximately three weeks after planting to produce upright habittypical of cut carnations.

Branching pattern.--Semi-erect, numerous and unrestricted at base ofplant; 5 to 7 flowering laterals developing per stem.

Height.--Two (2) year old plants may reach 150 to 200 cm in height.

Foliage:

Color.--Typical carnation, closest to 189A overlaid with 189B.

Texture.--Surface has a thin wax-like finish which is bluish green incolor.

Size.--Mature leaves are 10 to 16 cm in length and 7 to 10 mm in width;weakly curled.

Shape.--Long, narrow, lancet shaped.

Flowering.--The first flush of flowers appears 26 weeks after plantingrooted cuttings, and there are approximately 5 to 7 flowering stems atfirst flush when the apical bud is removed. The side laterals then growout in approximately 8 weeks, after which the second flush of flowersappears. The flowers of the first and second flushes are similar insize, but in subsequent flushes the flowers tend to become somewhatsmaller. There are approximately 6 to 8 flushes of flowers during a twoyear plant life, at which time a commercial plant would typically bediscarded.

It is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct carnation plant named Monica, asdescribed and illustrated.